Method of interchanging a decorative object and serving piece with an interchangeable decorative object

ABSTRACT

A method of interchanging a decorative object includes the step of providing a first serving piece having a first aperture in a first peripheral portion thereof. The method further includes the step of providing a second, different serving piece having a second aperture in a second peripheral portion thereof. The first and second apertures are sized such that they are capable of accepting a decorative object.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/621,818, filed Oct. 25, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/622,136, filed Oct. 26, 2004, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

SEQUENTIAL LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to decorative objects for serving pieces or dishes, and more particularly to decorative objects that are interchangeable between the serving pieces.

2. Description of the Background of the Invention

Serving pieces or dishes are used every day by people to eat and/or serve food on. It has become popular over the years to include one or more patterns on a serving dish, such as a checkered pattern, a swirl pattern, etc. Optionally, the pattern may be a raised pattern that is integral with and extends upwardly from an upper surface of the serving dish, but is permanently attached to the serving dish. It has also become popular to include one or more themes on a serving dish, such as a holiday theme, a seasonal theme, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of a first embodiment of a serving piece;

FIG. 2 is a top isometric view of a second embodiment of a serving piece;

FIG. 3 is a top isometric view of a first embodiment of a decorative object;

FIG. 4 is a top isometric view of a second embodiment of a decorative object;

FIG. 4A is a front elevational view of the projection of the decorative object of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a top isometric view of the serving dish of FIG. 4 with the decorative object of FIG. 2 attached thereto;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top isometric view of another embodiment of a decorative object;

FIG. 8 is a top isometric view of another embodiment of a serving piece;

FIG. 9 is a top isometric view of the serving piece of FIG. 8 with the decorative object of FIG. 7 attached thereto;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines 10 ⁻¹⁰ of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a plan view depicting an interfit between the projection and aperture of FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 12 is a top isometric view of another embodiment of a serving piece;

FIG. 13 is a top isometric view of another embodiment of a decorative object;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines 12-12 of FIG. 12 with the decorative object of FIG. 13 inserted therein; and

FIG. 15 is a plan view depicting an interfit between the aperture and projection of FIGS. 12 and 13, respectively.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of interchanging a decorative object includes the step of providing a first serving piece having a first aperture in a first peripheral portion thereof. The method further includes the step of providing a second, different serving piece having a second aperture in a second peripheral portion thereof. The first and second apertures are sized such that they are capable of accepting a decorative object.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of interchanging decorative objects includes the step of providing a first decorative object having a first decorative portion and a first projection extending from the first decorative portion. The method further includes the step of providing a second decorative object having a second decorative portion and a second projection extending from the second decorative portion. The first and second projections are sized such that they are capable of being inserted into the apertures of various serving pieces.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a combination includes a serving piece having an aperture therein, the aperture having an aperture wall. The combination further includes a decorative object having a decorative portion and a projection extending therefrom, the projection having a surface that is adapted to interfit with the aperture wall such that the decorative object may be attached to the serving piece. The decorative object may be removed from the serving piece and attached to another, different serving piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As seen in FIG. 1, a serving piece or dish 40 in the form of an oval-shaped plate is shown. Other serving pieces or dishes may also be employed, such as a platter, a bowl, a cutting board, a cake server, a butter dish, a gravy boat, a bowl, and/or the like. The serving piece 40 includes a central portion 42 for placing food and/or other items thereon and a peripheral portion 44 that extends outwardly from at least a portion of the central portion 42. One or more circular aperture(s) 46 are disposed in the peripheral portion 44 of the serving piece 40. The placement of the aperture 46 in the peripheral portion 44 provides easy access to the aperture 46, yet the aperture 46 is disposed on the serving piece 40 such that the aperture 46 does not interfere (or, at least minimally interferes) with food and/or other items placed on the serving piece 40. Optionally, the aperture(s) 46 may be disposed in any portion of the serving piece 40.

Another serving piece or dish 140 is depicted in FIG. 2, wherein the serving piece 140 is in the form of a rectangular plate. Similar to the serving piece 40 of FIG. 1, the serving piece 140 includes a central portion 142 and a peripheral portion 144 extending outwardly from at least a portion of the central portion 142. The serving piece 140 includes two apertures 146 a, 146 b in the peripheral portion 144. The apertures 146 a, 146 b in the serving piece 140 are circular in shape. However, the apertures can have any suitable shape that is adapted to accept the projections of the decorative objects as disclosed herein.

As further seen in FIG. 3, a decorative object 150 includes a decorative portion 152 in the shape of a birthday hat and a stem or other projection 154 extending from the decorative portion 152. The projection 154 generally has an external portion 154 a and an internal portion 154 b, wherein the internal portion 154 b resides in a cavity 155 within the decorative portion 152. In one embodiment, the external portion 154 a has a height that is about 0.75 inch and the internal portion 154 b has a height that is about 0.75 inch.

The projection 154 is attached to the decorative portion 152 by coating the internal portion 154 b of the projection 154 with an epoxy and thereafter inserting the internal portion 154 b of the projection 154 into the cavity 155 disposed within the decorative portion 152. The epoxy prevents the projection 154 from being removed from the decorative portion 152. Optionally, other binding agents may be used, such as other adhesives, rubber cement, and/or the like.

Another decorative object 250 is depicted in FIG. 4, wherein the decorative object 250 includes a decorative portion 252 in the shape of a tree and a stem or other projection 254 extending from the decorative portion 252. The projection 254 generally has an external portion 254 a and an internal portion 254 b, wherein the internal portion 254 b resides in a cavity 255 within the decorative portion 252. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the projections 154, 254 are cylindrical in shape. However, other suitable shapes may be used as long as they interfit with the apertures 46, 146 a, 146 b.

As best seen in FIG. 4A, the projection 254 includes indentations 257 along the internal portion 254 b thereof. The projection 254 of FIG. 4 is attached to the decorative portion 252 by coating the internal portion 254 b of the projection 154 with an epoxy and allowing the epoxy to collect within the indentations 257. The internal portion 254 b of the projection 254 is then inserted into the cavity 255 disposed within the decorative portion 252. The epoxy prevents the projection 154 from being removed from the decorative portion 152 and the indentations 257 provide a frictional fit between the internal portion 254 b and walls defining the cavity 255. As discussed above, other binding agents may be used, such as other adhesives, rubber cement, and/or the like. Although the indentations 257 of FIG. 4A are triangular in shape, any shape indentations 257 may be used as long as they trap the epoxy therein and aid in creating a frictional fit between the projection 254 and the decorative portion 252.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict the serving piece 140 of FIG. 2 in combination with the decorative object 250 of FIG. 4. Specifically, the projection 254 of the decorative object 250 is adapted to be inserted into either of the apertures 146 a, 146 b in the serving piece 140 such that a cylindrical surface 256 defining the projection 254 engages a wall 258 defining the aperture of the serving piece 140, such that a snug fit is created between the external portion 254 a of the projection 254 and the wall 258 defining the aperture, thereby securing the decorative object 250 to the serving piece 140. The fit is snug such that the decorative object 250 will not inadvertently fall out of the aperture 146 a, 146 b, but not so tightly fit that the decorative object 250 can not be removed. The projection 254 of the decorative object 250 (or any of the projections of the decorative objects as described or contemplated herein) is adapted to be inserted in the same manner into apertures of various serving pieces. Therefore, the decorative objects as disclosed herein are interchangeable in nature.

In one embodiment, the decorative objects 150, 250 of FIGS. 3 and 4 have projections 154, 254 having a cylindrical cross-section wherein the diameter of the external portions 154 a, 254 a is constant throughout. In another embodiment, the decorative objects 150, 250 of FIGS. 3 and 4 have projections 154, 254 that have a first diameter at a top portion 160 a, 260 a of the external portions 154 a, 254 a and a second diameter at a bottom portion 160 b, 260 b of the external portions 154 a, 254 a. The first diameter is about 0.25 inch and the second diameter is about 3/16 inch, wherein an outer surface 162, 262 of the respective projection 154, 254 is tapered between the top portions 160 a, 260 a and bottom portions 160 b, 260 b. In either of such embodiments, the aperture 46, 146 a, 146 b of the appropriate serving piece 40, 140 would have a diameter of equal to or slightly less than 0.25 inch.

In one embodiment, a projection, such as the projection 254 of FIG. 4, the internal portion 254 b may have a cross-sectional diameter that is greater than a cross-sectional diameter of the external portion 254 a.

The projections of various decorative objects may fit within various serving pieces so that that the same decorative object can be used with different serving pieces. The cross-sectional shapes of the apertures and projections are the same in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of the apertures and projections may be different, as long as the cross-sectional shape of the projections allows insertion of the projections into the apertures to create a snug fit, as described above. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the apertures of various serving pieces may be circular and the cross-sectional shape of the projections may vary. The cross-sectional shapes of the apertures and/or projections may be circular, hexagonal, star-shaped, oval, triangular, square-shaped, pentagonal, octagonal, and/or any other polygonal shape. Although the cross-sectional shapes of the apertures and projections may be different, if the apertures and projections are sized properly, the projections may still be inserted into and secured by the apertures of various different serving pieces.

Another embodiment of a decorative object 350 is depicted in FIG. 7. The decorative object 350 includes a decorative portion 352 in the shape of a butterfly and a stem or other projection 354 extending from the decorative portion 352. The projection 354 has a square cross-sectional shape and generally includes an external portion 356 a and an internal portion 356 b, wherein the internal portion 356 b resides in a cavity 358 within the decorative portion 352. The internal portion 356 b is attached to the decorative object 350 as described in detail above.

FIG. 8 depicts a serving piece 370 having a central portion 372 for placing food and/or other items thereon and a peripheral portion 374 that extends outwardly from at least a portion of the central portion 372. An aperture 376 is disposed in the peripheral portion 374 of the serving piece 370. As seen in FIGS. 9-11, the decorative object 350 may be inserted into the aperture 376 of the serving piece 370 such that corner surfaces 380 defining the projection 354 engage a cylindrical wall 382 defining the aperture 376. Even though gaps 384 are formed between the projection 354 and the aperture wall 382, as seen in FIG. 1I, a snug fit is created therebetween such that the decorative object 350 is secured to the serving piece 370. The projection 354 of the decorative object 350 is adapted to be inserted in the same manner into compatible apertures of various different serving pieces.

As seen in FIG. 12, another embodiment of a bowl-like circular serving piece or dish 400 is depicted. The serving piece 400 includes a central portion 402 with a peripheral portion 404 surrounding at least a portion of the central portion 402. As best seen in FIG. 14, the serving piece 400 further includes a circular raised portion 406 disposed in the central portion 402. A square-shaped aperture 408 is disposed in the circular raised portion 406 for attachment of a decorative object. Although the aperture 408 is depicted as being square-shaped, the aperture 408 may be formed of any suitable shape as discussed herein.

A decorative object 420 is shown in FIG. 13, wherein the decorative object 420 includes a decorative portion 422 and a stem or other projection 424 extending from the decorative portion 422. Although the decorative portion 422 is in the form of a pumpkin, the decorative portion 422 can form any suitable decoration. The projection 424 is generally cylindrical and includes an external portion 426 a and an internal portion 426 b, wherein the internal portion 426 b resides in a cavity 427 within the decorative portion 422, as discussed above.

As seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the decorative object 420 may be inserted into the aperture 408 of the serving piece 400 such that a cylindrical surface 430 of the projection 424 engages side walls 432 defining the aperture 408. Even though gaps 434 are formed between the projection 424 and the walls 432 defining the aperture 408, as seen in FIG. 15, a snug fit is created therebetween such that the decorative object 420 is secured to the serving piece 400. The projection 424 of the decorative object 420 is adapted to be inserted in the same manner into compatible apertures of various different serving pieces.

The serving pieces or dishes of the present invention may be made of any material, including but not limited to, ceramics, plastics, paper, pottery, stoneware, earthenware, china, or any other suitable material. In one embodiment, the decorative portions of the decorative objects of the present invention are made of any material, including but not limited to, ceramics, plastics, china, thermoplastics, silicone, an elastomeric material, or any other suitable material. Also, in some embodiments, the decorative portions may be made of the same material as the serving pieces, but the decorative portions may alternatively be made of a material different than that of the serving pieces.

In other embodiments, the stem or other projection is made of a soft material so that it can be easily inserted into the aperture of the serving piece and also does not scratch the serving piece upon insertion therein. Such soft materials may include a thermoplastic material, silicone, or an elastomeric material. Alternatively, the stem or other projection may also used of other materials, such as ceramics, china, paper, pottery, stoneware, earthenware, or any other suitable material for inserting into a serving piece.

Any of the decorative objects as described herein may include a decorative portion having any theme and may be have any shape. Such themes include holiday, seasonal, sports, foods, toys, insects, animals, etc. Shapes that may be utilized include, but are not limited to, decorated Christmas trees, decorated eggs, spiders, snowmen, pumpkins, leaves, flowers, umbrellas, basketballs, footballs, baseballs, bats, planes, trucks, cars, ladybugs, butterflies, birds, puppies, cats, rabbits, shoes, birthday cakes, presents, flags, numbers, etc. The decorative designs may be made of any material, including but not limited to ceramics, plastic, china, or any other material. In some embodiments, the decorative designs are manufactured of the same material as the serving pieces.

The interchangeable decorative objects and serving pieces or dishes as disclosed herein provide an interchangeable system that allows a user to customize the decor of a serving piece or dish for different occasions. Additionally, the interchangeability permits a user to remove a decorative object from a serving piece for specialized cleaning of the decorative object and/or serving piece. 

1. A method of interchanging a decorative object, comprising the steps of: providing a first serving piece having a first aperture in a first peripheral portion thereof; and providing a second, different serving piece having a second aperture in a second peripheral portion thereof; wherein the first and second apertures are sized such that they are capable of accepting a decorative object.
 2. The method of claim 1, further including the step of providing a decorative object adapted to fit within either of the first or second apertures.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the apertures both have a circular cross-section.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the decorative object has a projection extending therefrom that may be inserted into either of the apertures such that a surface of the projection forms a snug fit with a wall of the respective aperture.
 5. A method of interchanging decorative objects, comprising the steps of: providing a first decorative object having a first decorative portion and a first projection extending from the first decorative portion; and providing a second decorative object having a second decorative portion and a second projection extending from the second decorative portion; wherein the first and second projections are sized such that they are capable of being inserted into the apertures of various serving pieces.
 6. The method of claim 5, further including the step of providing a serving piece.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the serving piece includes an aperture therein and wherein either of the first and second projections may be inserted into the aperture for attachment of the first or second decorative object, respectively, to the serving piece.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein a surface of the first or second projection forms a snug fit with a wall of the aperture.
 9. The method of claim 6, further including the step of providing a second serving piece.
 10. A combination, comprising: a serving piece having an aperture therein, the aperture having an aperture wall; and a decorative object having a decorative portion and a projection extending therefrom, the projection having a surface that is adapted to interfit with the aperture wall such that the decorative object may be attached to the serving piece; wherein the decorative object may be removed from the serving piece and attached to another, different serving piece.
 11. The combination of claim 10, wherein the aperture is circular in shape and the projection is cylindrical in shape.
 12. The combination of claim 10, wherein the projection is made of a thermoplastic material.
 13. The combination of claim 10, wherein the decorative object is made of a material that is the same as the serving piece.
 14. The combination of claim 13, wherein the material is selected from the group consisting of a ceramics material, plastic, pottery, stoneware, and china.
 15. The combination of claim 13, wherein the projection includes an internal portion residing within a cavity in the decorative portion and an external portion, wherein the external portion has a top portion with a first diameter and a bottom portion with a second diameter.
 16. The combination of claim 15, wherein the first diameter is about 0.25 inch and the second diameter is about 3/16 inch.
 17. The combination of claim 13, wherein the projection includes an internal portion residing within a cavity in the decorative portion and wherein the internal portion includes indentations therein.
 18. The combination of claim 17, wherein a binding agent is disposed on the internal portion of the projection and in the indentations to secure the internal portion to walls defining the cavity in the decorative portion. 